In an attempt to find cheaper materials for water purifiers a group of scientists decided to experiment with banana peels. And it turns out, the peels performed better than most other materials.

The study showed that minced banana peels could be used to remove metals and other harmful materials from water, and were especially adept at removing both copper and lead from river water. They're also reusable, as a purifier made from diced banana peels can be used up to 11 times and still remain effective.

Given their low cost and abundant nature, this makes banana peels a very attractive, low-cost, low-maintenance way to clean-up drinking water.